The Ultimate Guide to Surfing Tower

Located deep inside Toro Toro at the Airport Reefs inside Jimbaran Bay, Tower is a hidden gem that comes alive only when the rest of the coast is maxing out. It takes its name from the navigational pillars that sit nearby, marking the channel.

Download our free PDF guide to all 73 Bali surf spots to plan your trip around the right break for every tide, swell and wind.

This spot is arguably the easiest wave in the world to get a great ride on, provided the running swell is huge. While the outer reefs are roaring, Tower offers a gentle, reforming wave that is perfect for beginners or intermediate surfers looking for a stress-free session amid the chaos of a big swell.

Understanding the Tower wave

Tower is a reform wave, meaning the whitewater from the outer reefs reforms into a green face as it hits the inner reef.

• The shape: Because it is a reform, the wave is very soft. It breaks both left and right, but the main draw is the nice, easy right-hander that peels towards the navigational pillar.
• Ride length: On a good day, you can get a ride that is fairly short by Bali standards, but perfect for practising the basics.
• The wind: Because it is situated closer to shore than the outer reefs, Tower enjoys significantly more protection from the trade winds.

Best time and conditions at Tower

Tower is a specific tool for a specific job: learning to surf on a massive day.

• Swell size: This spot only begins working when Toro Toro is double-overhead. When the outside is huge, Tower becomes a manageable waist-to-shoulder-high.
• The tide: This is strictly a mid-to-high-tide break. On a low tide, the reef is too shallow to surf safely.

Safety and dangers at Tower

Do not let the soft nature of the wave fool you regarding the environment.

• The bottom: Surprisingly, the bottom here is sharper and shallower than at Toro Toro. You must be mindful of the depth, especially as the tide drops.
• The current: On a high tide, a strong current can develop that runs towards the navigational pillars. Be aware of your positioning so you do not drift off the peak.

Access to Tower

The wave breaks in front of Pantai Kelan. We strongly recommend taking a boat from Pantai Kelan, which will drop you fresh in the lineup and wait for you. On a mid-to-high tide it is possible to paddle out from the beach, but it is quite far, and for a surfer still developing their skill set, the paddle can be exhausting and demoralising.

Can beginners surf Tower?

Yes. This is an excellent option for beginners on big days. The wave allows you to take off in the whitewater and wait for it to reform into a swell wave, making it one of the easiest drops in the world, and it is perfect for those on soft tops going straight or funboards learning to trim down the line on a right-hander. It is a good fit for beginner surf lessons when the swell is too big elsewhere.

Is Tower good for intermediates?

Sort of. Intermediate surfers on mid-sized boards just learning to generate drive through their bottom turns and rotate through their top turns will be able to get some enjoyable rides. If you are already throwing spray and driving off the bottom, though, you will find the left at Toro Toro more appropriate for your ability.

Local environment at Pantai Kelan

We believe in being honest about the locations we surf. Tower sits in front of Pantai Kelan, between the Kedonganan fish market and the airport runway. While the view of planes taking off is spectacular, the area itself suffers from significant pollution; trash is often strewn across the beach, and the fish market can smell terrible, falling below acceptable standards of hygiene for many visitors. Most surfers choose to surf here for the waves and then leave the area immediately to eat or relax at the much nicer Pantai Muaya in Jimbaran.

Is Tower worth surfing?

Tower is the ultimate “Plan C” for beginners and intermediates. When the swell is terrifyingly big everywhere else, this little reform wave offers a safe, soft, fun corner to catch a few glides. The shallow reef and pollution on the beach mean it requires some local know-how to enjoy safely, though, so to get the boat sorted and hit the right tide window, join our Uluwatu surf camp and let our team make the call.